The U.S. Open champion, Coco Gauff, and the second-ranked player, Iga Swiatek, have decided to opt out of the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup Finals. Gauff was not included in the American team, along with the highest-ranked American player, Jessica Pegula. The U.S. team will consist of Madison Keys, Sofia Kenin, Danielle Collins, Sloane Stephens, and Taylor Townsend. The event will take place from November 7-12 in Seville, Spain.
The Billie Jean King Cup is the biggest team competition in women’s tennis. It begins just two days after the conclusion of the WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico, which features the top eight players on the tour, including Gauff, Pegula, and Swiatek.
This is the second year in a row that Swiatek has chosen to skip the Billie Jean King Cup. Last year, she cited concerns about health and safety when traveling long distances for the event right after the WTA Finals. Swiatek, who was then ranked No. 1, has also been left off the Poland team for this year’s competition.
Gauff recently announced her withdrawal from the Zhengzhou Open tournament in China due to a shoulder injury. This injury bothered her during a loss to Swiatek in the semifinals of the China Open last week. Swiatek went on to win the tournament, adding another title to her already impressive year.
